Another interesting article about us (LN 30.4.2022) - unfortunately only in the paid section unlike others?). J.Š.
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Twenty years ago, the work of director Miroslav Bambušek (46) began to rediscover the past. The crimes of communism, the expulsion of the Germans, and most recently the spiritual power of philosopher Jan Patočka and theologian Josef Zvěřina. What drives him into a personal and social prehistory?
"Enemies are like a sieve in God's hands, where what is human in man is separated from what is divine in him." Joseph Zverina. With Zvěřina comes a priest who has no need for lavish ceremonies; he celebrates Mass at the lathe, at the anvil, on a pile of stones. Someone who has found meaning in the suffering that is born in the struggle for truth, against fear, violence and lies, hiding behind comfort. With Venison comes to me someone I think I've been looking for: a forgotten father, a friend, a brother whose realm is not of this world.
What kind of life is this that seeks only pleasures? The life of a herd rotter? To paraphrase Patočka: Nothing shows so well that we live in a totalitarian mass of matter and force as the fact that what is essentially human, that is, truth and falsehood, has become subject to manipulation. Mass, herd, and the emphasis on quantity and the growth of mass and power are confusing maneuvers that distract one from what is essential. From really reaching into life to find its infinite depth that lies somewhere between self and others. And to carry it without talking or whining, to vouch for it even when it is difficult.
But it will change soon, I believe. We are in a time when what is not controlled has no right to exist. And here comes Venison to kick those control systems' ass. If Josef Zvěřina were here, I'm sure you would say that what matters is what kind of person you are. It's how you carry your Cross and what kind of witness you give with your life.
True creativity has nothing to do with obedience! But it has to include courage and also love towards the flesh that would like to trample you into the ground.
P.S..
The photo of Josef Zvěřina's memorial plaque is located by the wall in front of the Church of St. Nicholas in Praskolesy, where he worked until 1975, before he was expelled. I had the honour of meeting him several times without knowing who I was meeting... J.Š.
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